My cat ate a large piece of plastic. Is this an emergency? What to do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Im pretty certain my cat ate a rather large piece of plastic (like a cd or did wrapper) probably 5-6 inches long by 3-4 inches wide. He was playing with a piece of plastic and when I went to get it, it was gone. my husband and I have looked everywhere for it and we just kno he likely ate it. I'm so worried. What do I do?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 2nd, 2017
I can certainly understand being worried about your cat eating plastic! The problem with plastic is that is can get caught in the GI tract, causing an obstruction. The best thing to do is to take him into a vet on call or an ER vet to get a shot to induce vomiting now. That will get the plastic out of him, and prevent any chance of obstruction. If it did cause an obstruction, he would need surgery to remove it, so it's better to avoid a big surgery bill now by having him induced to vomit to remove it. There is a chance it could pass on it's own, and you can chose to monitor him over the next 72 hours. Signs of obstruction including vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and constipation, and should you see any of those signs, he would need to see a vet immediately. In my opinion, it's best to be safe, so I would recommend taking him into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 3rd, 2019
If it was a very small piece then it should be okay, just keep an eye on him and make sure he is still eating, drinking and behaving normally. The second he vomits, refuses to eat, or becomes lethargic, get him to the vet, the plastic could form an obstruction. If it was a long, thin piece, take him to the vet now. Anything thread or string-like can snake its way through the GI tract and cut through. This is life-threatening and requires immediate surgery.
18Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 29th, 2020
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A piece of wrapper of this size will likely pass through. I don't think that your vet will recommend any treatment but to monitor Scotty at home. Please, keep an eye on her for the next 48-72 hrs. If you notice that she is lethargic, off food, vomiting or not passing stools at all, you should take her to your vet right away as these are common symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 23rd, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If this just happened within the last 2 hours, you could consider taking him to a veterinarian to try to induce vomiting to retrieve this piece of plastic. Otherwise, watch him closely for signs of a gastrointestinal obstruction such as inappetence, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. If observed, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as this may need medical help. Good luck!
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 21st, 2017
Hi there and thanks for posting. Linear objects can cause an obstruction and sometimes symptoms can be delayed. After ingestion, it takes about 2 hours for the object or material to pass from the stomach into the intestinal tract, so if he ingested this yesterday, it is likely in his intestinal tract or he may have passed it. If he passes it in the next 24 hours, then he should be fine, but if not, then you may need to take him into his vet for an x-ray to ensure there is not an obstruction especially if he starts becoming disinterested in eating or start vomiting or experiencing diarrhea or lethargy. Feeding a little extra fiber in the diet can help, such as adding plain canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) to his food can help move things along, but I would still have a veterinarian examine him if this has not passed in the next 24 hours. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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